Texas Rangers
Key Additions
- RHP David Robertson
- RHP Kirby Yates
- RHP Tyler Mahle
Key Loses
- DH/C Mitch Garver
- LHP Aroldis Chapman
- LHP Will Smith
- LHP Jordan Montgomery
The reigning World Series champs will head into 2024 looking to defend their 2023 title, a job that hasn't been completed since the Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000. A couple big losses to their roster, both from injuries and free agency, may hinder their chances, but Bruce Bochy has proven yet again to never count his squad out.
The Rangers lineup will look to repeat as one of the strongest's offenses in the American League, as they finished with the best OPS in the AL. Texas might kick off 2024 without one of the best hitters in the world in Corey Seager, as there is a chance he begins the season on the shelf with a sports hernia. Seager posted an absurd 1.013 OPS and 169 wRC+ in his 119 games last year, cementing himself as one of the best left handed hitters. Fellow free agent class acquisition Marcus Semien will join Seager at the top of the lineup, creating a formidable 1-2 duo. Adolis Garcia, Nathaniel Lowe, and Jonah Heim all add to the elite Texas offensive core. Something that makes this Texas lineup even more special is the contributions they get beyond the veterans, as young studs Josh Jung, Evan Carter, and Wyatt Langford all look to also be major contributors for the near future.
Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford are going to be a SERIOUS problem for opposing pitchers in the years to come.
— Michael Bier (@MichaelJBier) March 11, 2024
(Via: @Rangers)pic.twitter.com/c7xdQcO332
The Rangers offense might take some time to get going, with Seager and Lowe dealing with injuries, and the young guys might needing some time to get fully adjusted to the big league scene. There seems to be more question marks on the pitching side, as Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle will all open the season on the injured list. That leaves Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, and Dane Dunning doing the heavy lifting to start the season. It's almost like they could use a pitcher like Jordan Montgomery, crazy. Regardless, the Rangers are built on depth, something they have plenty of. The already present injuries, and any future ones, will be what truly limits this Texas squad from fighting the Astros for the AL West crown.
Team MVP: Corey Seager
Team Cy Young: Nathan Eovaldi
Team X-Factor: Jacob deGrom
The Nationals will visit the reigning World Series champs for a three game series from April 30-May 2.
The recently competitive AL West looks to remain that way in 2024, however it will most likely be rather top heavy. The top 3 squads in Houston, Texas, and Seattle will all fight for the sought after AL West crown, while Los Angeles and Oakland do their thing. Even with the bottom two being in the division, the top three alone will make the AL West a must watch division in the 2024 season.
1. Texas Rangers (101-61)
2. Houston Astros (99-63)
3. Seattle Mariners (90-72)
4. Los Angeles Angels (74-88)
5. Oakland Athletics (61-101)